Tesla reducing dependence on China with graphite deal Analysts say the move is part of a larger push to produce car batteries in the US Elon Musk ’s Tesla has signed a deal to get a key component for electric car batteries outside of China, in an apparent effort to reduce dependence on the Asian nation for graphite. The car maker is now in business with Australia’s Syrah Resources, which operates a graphite mine in Balama, Mozambique. Graphite is critical for lithium-ion batteries, and Tesla will be buying plenty of it as the agreement signed last month states the Austin,...